Employee benefits seem to satisfy workers, but gaps persist

While workers have reported higher well-being since 2019, WTW found financial concerns are straining workers’ access to medical care.

By Caroline Colvin • Oct. 15, 2026

Walmart plans to offer employees free prescriptions, paid NICU leave

The news comes as employers prepare for nearly double-digit health insurance price increases and many plan to shift some of those costs to workers.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 15, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the rapidly changing world of employee benefits

Healthcare costs are climbing and employee needs are changing. How can HR professionals adapt?

By HR Dive staff

Time spent waiting to work is compensable if required, appeals court rules

Lidl employees can continue with their allegations they were required to report to work but couldn’t clock in until a manager unlocked the store.

By Kate Tornone • Oct. 14, 2026

More than healthcare savings: 4 ways HSAs support financial wellness

If you could give your employees more peace of mind and improve their financial wellbeing — using a benefit you already offer — would you?

Oct. 12, 2026

Many young working parents may struggle to find high-quality jobs

These parents are at an age when career development and economic mobility can have a critical impact on their future prospects, per a study.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 9, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: Manager-led development can aid retention

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week — including how much the hourly minimum wage for federal contractors is expected to increase.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 8, 2026

Even woman-presenting AI bots are ‘paid’ less, research says

“We don’t want to inadvertently reproduce existing inequalities in a new technological setting,” a researcher said.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 8, 2026

Companies say they’re doling out bigger paychecks to attract candidates

More than half of employers are offering higher-than-planned salaries to applicants with expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, according to a new study.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 8, 2026

DOL to up minimum wage to $14 per hour for federal contractors

Despite the increase, the rate remains below Biden-era levels, which hit $15 per hour.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 7, 2026

Trump administration revamps insurer price transparency reporting

On Monday, the HHS and Labor and Treasury Departments finalized a rule meant to strip out junk cluttering cost disclosures, among other reforms. Employers cheered the changes, which are a mixed bag for insurers.

By Rebecca Pifer Parduhn • Oct. 5, 2026

The future of workforce wellbeing: Strategies enterprise employers are prioritizing in 2026

What do employees want most from their employer? New data reveals the answer.

Oct. 5, 2026

How to pay international contractors without losing money to cross-border fees

Curious how the fee and settlement math actually works across different corridors and currencies?

By Vivek Shankar • Oct. 5, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: HR pros say half of their week is spent on repetitive work

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week — including how much it costs employees to return to the office.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 1, 2026

The RTO tax is an estimated $6,700 per year for employees, analysis finds

For working parents paying for childcare, that figure climbs to about $16,000 annually, per Resume.io.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 1, 2026

Esker folds AI into employee cost analysis

The finance software firm is now treating AI spending as another component of an employee’s cost alongside salary, bonuses and payroll taxes, the CFO said.

By Alexei Alexis • Oct. 1, 2026

Value-based care could cut healthcare costs. Employers aren’t buying it.

Nearly half of companies don’t plan to make any changes to their value-based arrangements in the next three years, EY found.

By Ginger Christ • Oct. 1, 2026

Lesbian plaintiff fails to show employer’s fertility benefits were biased under SCOTUS test

The case demonstrates how courts have had to parse the implications of the high court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 30, 2026

Insurers say AI could add billions in health costs. Billing companies disagree.

When payers shell out more for care, premiums increase, and those costs cascade to employers and patients.

By Jacqueline LaPointe • Sept. 28, 2026

What data says about the who, what, when, where and why of open enrollment education

Stop guessing this open enrollment! Use employee data to boost benefits education and engagement.

By WEX Benefits • Sept. 28, 2026

CMS and SBA rebrand ICHRA as CHOICE Arrangements: Here’s what you need to know

New research reveals growing employer interest in ICHRA and the key factors driving adoption.

Sept. 28, 2026

Should workers be paid for AI skills?

Companies could face a “retention time bomb” if existing workers see new hires get paid more for tech expertise, Payscale found.

By Ginger Christ • Sept. 24, 2026

Nearly half of workers say they don’t want AI in payroll

Artificial intelligence’s use in total rewards remains in the early stages, reports have shown.

By Ginger Christ • Sept. 23, 2026

‘Rampant pay cynicism’ threatens companies, report finds

“A depleted workforce paired with cynicism about pay creates a precarious moment for employers,” a global rewards leader at Marsh said.

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 18, 2026

This week in 5 numbers: Amazon will give grocery benefits to workers

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week — including how many employers say artificial intelligence is actually slowing down the hiring process.

By Ginger Christ • Sept. 17, 2026

How can employers boost workers’ 401(k)s? Student loan matching.

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 for the first time allowed employers to match eligible employee payments on student loans.

By Ginger Christ • Sept. 17, 2026